While Twitter and Facebook are straightforward with simple features, Linked In seems to present more of a challenge. The business network has just undergone another redesign in an attempt to become more intuitive – but I still have clients and colleagues asking me how best to use it. This isn’t a step-by-step instruction post (find that here), it is a list of three practical tips that will work and deliver results for a time-pressed businessperson. Please feel free to add more tips in the comments.

Tip 1: Join a couple of relevant groups and participate

Many groups suffer from spam and useless broadcasting, but equally many are well-run with lively debates. I regularly keep up with the discussions in various groups and I am one of the managers for the Cognisance groups (Essential knowledge for professional Scots/Essential knowledge for professional Londoners). Here’s a simple graph that proves why this is worthwhile:

The number of visitors to my profile page rocketed when I started regularly contributing. The key, I think, is comment on others’ topics as well as start your own. You need credits and debits for the Favour Bank!

Tip 2: Use the information Linked In gives you

Even if you’re using the free version, Linked In gives you valuable information about who has been looking at your profile. Follow it up! The box is now located to the right of your profile – it will tell you who’s been checking you out and how often you’re appearing in search.

Depending on a user’s individual settings, you can often click right through to their page. If you aren’t already connected, the ice has been broken, so send them an invitation. Which brings me to my final point…

Tip 3: Customise your invitation to connect

This is so simple and yet so often overlooked. Linked In will provide a standard text when you create an invitation to connect – do not use it. Write a short message that clarifies how you know this person or why you think a connection would be mutually beneficial. If you don’t, you look lazy, unprofessional and rude. You’re also missing a trick to start a conversation – and if you don’t want to start a conversation then why are you connecting in the first place?

Kim is a trained journalist who's moved into PR and communications. She set up Impact Online in early 2010 and since then has worked with numerous companies handling their PR, advising on their social media strategies and writing their brochures, websites and blogs.